I’ve heard that, in Seattle, you’re creating new “stealth coffee shops,” called 15th Avenue stores, without the Starbucks brand. Customers will see through this. Instead, why not empower–and incentivize–managers to appeal to their communities by sourcing food, music, and artwork from locals while sustaining our brand?

A few more suggestions: During the morning hours at busy stores, I think many of our customers would appreciate it if a single register were designated for drip coffee. And regarding new products: I just don’t think the company is successful in creating excitement. We’re told to provide samples, but I rarely see them in stores.